Levofloxacin which is better known as Levaquin is a broad-spectrum quinolone antibiotic. This medication is used in the treatment of many bacterial infections. The most common infections treated with Levaquin include: sinus infections, Pneumonia, severe bronchitis, kidney infections, certain skin infections and many other conditions. Like all antibiotics, it is not effective against viruses such as the common cold and Influenza.

You must Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease before starting this medication.

How Should I Use This Medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early except on your provider’s advice.

Over dosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medicine for three days afterward. Alcohol may make you feel dizzy, sick, or flushed. This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (E.G., tendinitis, tendon rupture) during or after treatment. Your risk is greater if you are over 60 years of age. Stop exercising, rest, and seek medical attention if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. For women: antibiotics can weaken the effects of oral birth control pills, please use alternative birth control until you have finished your medication and have your next period.

NOTE: This is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. For a full list of possible side effects visit www.drugs.com